Most of the leaves had fallen from the trees by the next month. The ground was a warm shade of red. They said that one day she'd just lain down and never woke up. That she'd gone peacefully, and even though they hadn't talked… and no one had told him she was gone, he had known. He knew that she would never grace the world with her smile ever again. That day, the sun seemed colder, the world seemed grayer, and the birds refused to sing.

A tear slid down his cheek, as he peered upon her still and smiling face. He knew a great spirit, a gift, one of the saviors had gone from the world. Her cheeks were rosy, her dress was red, and in her hand, lay one white rose. She would always be beautiful.

He couldn't bear to stay and stare a moment longer, and he left. The only thing he could see when he turned back for one last glance was the color on her cheeks and the red of her dress. Everything else would forever be gray except the leaves that fell from autumn trees.

He returned to his house, large and white. He walked into his door, and leaned against the wall. He wiped the tears from his face, and as his hand fell he felt something scrape his skin faintly. As if in slow motion he turned his head. There on eggshell paper, was his name written in her handwriting.

"Someday I'll tell you," she said, "some day."

"Tell me what?" he said, curious.

"You'll see."

He opened the letter, relishing the fact he had something that proved she was real. That he could hold on to forever. He could smell her on the paper. He began to read.

Hey there darling. I'm leaving you this letter in case you ever forget me. Please, try not to. Remember the way I loved fall. Remember the way that I like to spin in circles. I'll remember the way you would stand over me to see if I was okay when I let go and fell down. Hell dear, I'll always remember you. You have the most beautiful blue eyes. I saw everything in them. In your eyes, I could do anything, because I knew you believed in me. I knew that you thought I would never fail. But I did, and I'm so sorry. I failed everyone. I couldn't see what I was doing. What hurts me the most is I failed you. I loved you. I loved you so much. Remember that. Always remember that.

He paused, and wiped the tears from his eyes. "I love you, too. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Promise me that you'll always look through the tree leaves at the sun so you can see the sky sparkle. Promise me you'll remember the smell of the ocean and its vastness. Remember the beautiful things. Try not to think about me too much, I don't want you to hurt. I don't want you to miss me. Just know, I love you and I believe in you to carry on my life and yours. To see the world as it is. Not just your life. That day at the hill was the best day of my life. I want you to know that, I hope you return. It's so beautiful; just like you.

I'll always love you. Always. Good-bye.

He slid down the wall, and sobbed.

They buried her in fall.

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